System for generating a virtualized network function

ABSTRACT

A device for configuring a virtualized network function, configured for use in a virtualized communication network, is disclosed. The device is configured to receive a request to configure the virtualized network function. The device is also configured to obtain at least one parameter for implementing an elementary component of the virtualized network function in a virtualized communication network, to be added to a basic virtualized network function. The device is also configured to compose the virtualized network function from at least one elementary component and from the parameter for implementing the at least one obtained elementary component.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the U.S. National Phase of Application No.PCT/FR2015/053695 entitled “SYSTEM FOR GENERATING A VIRTUALISED NETWORKFUNCTION” filed Dec. 21, 2015, which designated the United States, andwhich claims the benefit of French Application No. 1463260 filed Dec.23, 2014.

The invention is in the field of telecommunication networks, and moreparticularly relates to a system for generating a virtualized networkfunction for a virtualized communication network.

The standards body ETSI (European Telecommunications StandardsInstitute) launched a project called NFV (Network FunctionsVirtualization) at the beginning of 2013 to establish, between theexperts in the telecommunications and information technology sectors,the first specifications in the field of virtualization (i.e.dematerialization) of the functions used in telecommunications networks,hereafter referred to as network functions. These network functionsrefer to, for example, the functions implemented by a core network, agateway, a firewall, etc. A virtualized network function is defined moreparticularly on the basis of elementary components corresponding, forexample, to software modules implementing an elementary function of thisvirtualized network function. The virtualization of these functions iscarried out in particular by so-called cloud computing systems, whichimplement and host these functions on virtual machines accessible, forexample, via a network application. These virtual machines use remotehardware computing-resources and networks (e.g. network connectivity,computing power, storage spaces, servers, applications, etc.), managedby the cloud computing system, and shared between the various clientsthereof depending on the respective needs thereof. This allows clientsto scalably access these resources without having to administer theoften-complex underlying infrastructure for managing these resources.

The ETSI specifications document GS NFV 001 v.1.1.1, published inOctober 2013, entitled “Network Functions Virtualization (NFV); UseCases”, presents several cases of use of the virtualization of networkfunctions. This document describes in a very general way thevirtualization of network functions in various contexts (virtualizationof a mobile network, of a base station, of a content distributionnetwork, etc.). The virtualized network architectures described in thismanner suffer nevertheless from some disadvantages. The client servicesof a virtualized network infrastructure are particularly limited by thenumber of virtualized network functions available thereto through thenetwork infrastructure. The network functions implemented are inparticular fixed without it being possible to intervene on theelementary components thereof. Additionally, offering a wide range ofvirtualized network functions is only permitted at the cost ofincreasing the catalog of virtualized network functions, which catalogis provided by the virtualized network infrastructure in which they areimplemented. This results particularly in a more complex catalog, withan increased risk of selecting a virtualized network function that isunsuited to the service requested by a customer.

One of the aims of the invention is to overcomeshortcomings/disadvantages of the prior art and/or to bring aboutimprovements thereto.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device forconfiguring a virtualized network function, intended to be implementedin a virtualized communication network. The device comprises:

a receiving module, arranged to receive a request for configuration ofthe virtualized network function;

an obtaining module, arranged to obtain at least one parameter forimplementation in a virtualized communication network of an elementarycomponent of the virtualized network function, to be added to a basicvirtualized network function;

a configuration module, arranged to compose the virtualized networkfunction from at least one elementary component and from the parameterfor implementing the at least one obtained elementary component.

The configuration device makes it possible, on request of a requestingentity, to define virtualized network functions from elementarycomponents (called VNFC meaning “Virtual Networking Function Component”in English) corresponding, for example, to software modules implementingan elementary function of a virtualized network function. Such avirtualized network function is, for example, a “router” function, andtwo elementary components of this virtualized network function are, forexample, a module for supporting the IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)protocol and a module for supporting the BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)protocol.

The device allows for advantageously combining elementary componentswith a basic network function in order to produce a virtualized networkfunction that meets particular requirements of a client entity of avirtualized network infrastructure where this function will beimplemented.

Thanks to the device, it is thus possible to configure virtualizednetwork functions according to customized criteria with greatflexibility. The elementary components can be easily implemented, forexample, by one or more virtual machines created for this purpose withina virtualized network infrastructure, depending on the implementationparameters associated with this component.

Such a device for configuring a virtualized network function also makesit possible to dispense with the need to have an excessive catalog ofvirtualized network functions made available by a virtualized networkinfrastructure, for example for client entities of this networkinfrastructure. A virtualized network function not present in such acatalog can indeed advantageously be configured by the configurationdevice from the basic network function and from elementary components ofsuch a function. This also results in savings in the storage resourcesassociated with such a catalog, since the virtualized network functionscan indeed be obtained by composing the basic network function andelementary components. This makes it easier to select a virtualizednetwork function within the catalog. Likewise, a simplified catalogroute is also possible. Such a device thus makes it possible to simplifythe offer of client services which is available via the virtualizednetwork infrastructure.

In addition, the configuration device also makes it possible tofacilitate maintenance of the virtualized network functions, the latterbeing, for example, easily reconfigurable when an elementary componentof a virtualized network function is updated, without having to replacethe virtualized network function as a whole. Such updating may, forexample, result from an improvement or from a correction of anelementary component.

According to a particular feature, the configuration request comprises alist of elementary components for said virtualized network function.

Since the elementary components required, for example, by a third-partyentity for the virtualized network function are directly provided in theprovision request, the configuration of the virtualized network functionby the configuration device is accelerated.

According to a particular feature, the configuration device furthercomprises a module for checking compatibility of a first elementarycomponent with at least a second elementary component in order tocompose the virtualized network function, the configuration module beingactivated only when the first and second elementary components areverified as being compatible with one another.

Checking a compatibility between elementary components of a virtualizednetwork function makes it possible to obtain a valid configuration forthe virtualized network function to be configured. It is thus possibleto restrict the choice of the elementary components for a virtualizednetwork function to the only components that, combined together, make itpossible to perform the virtualized network function. In addition, thischecking makes it possible to guarantee a high level of performance ofthe virtualized network function, and to avoid a misuse of elementarycomponents by a particular virtualized network function.

According to a particular feature, the configuration device furthercomprises a sending/receiving module, arranged to send, to a generationdevice, a command for generating the virtualized network function, fromthe composed virtualized network function, in a format executable in thevirtualized communication network.

Sending a generation command makes it possible to command a device togenerate the virtualized network function resulting from theconfiguration of this function from elementary components. Theconfiguration of a virtualized network function and the generationthereof are thus separated, which makes it easier to manage these twofunctions.

In addition, the generation of the virtualized network function isrequested in a format executable in a particular virtualizedcommunication network. The virtualized network function can thus beadapted to constraints particular to this virtualized communicationnetwork. The generation of the virtualized network function may inparticular take into account constraints of performance, of usage, oreven of desired levels of quality which relate to this virtualizedcommunication network.

The generation of the virtualized network function in an executable formalso makes it possible to reuse this function within the virtualizedcommunication network without having to re-configure it. The function inthe executable form thereof may in particular be stored in order to feeda catalog of customized virtualized network functions, meetingparticular requirements of a client entity of the virtualized networkinfrastructure for which the function has been generated.

According to one particular feature, the configuration device furthercomprises a local database, arranged to store a virtualized networkfunction generated by the generation device.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a system forgenerating a virtualized network function, comprising:

a database, arranged to store implementation parameters associated withelementary components of virtualized network functions, the parametersrelating to an implementation of the components in at least onevirtualized communication network;

a device for configuring a virtualized network function according to oneof the particular features according to the first aspect, wherein theobtaining module is arranged to obtain the at least one implementationparameter from the database.

According to a particular feature, the generation system furthercomprises a device for generating a virtualized network function, thegeneration device comprising:

an obtaining module, arranged to obtain a data model of at least oneelementary component of a virtualized network function from thedatabase;

a sending/receiving module, arranged to receive a command for generatingthe virtualized network function, from a composed virtualized networkfunction in a format executable in a virtualized communication network,and to send, to the configuration device, the generated virtualizednetwork function;

a computing module, arranged to generate said virtualized networkfunction in a format executable in a virtualized communication network,from at least one data model of at least one elementary component of thevirtualized network function.

The advantages stated for any one of the features of the device forconfiguring a virtualized network function according to the first aspectcan be transposed directly to the system for generating a virtualizednetwork function according to the second aspect.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method forconfiguring a virtualized network function, intended to be implementedin a virtualized communication network. The method comprises:

receiving a request for configuring the virtualized network function;

obtaining at least one parameter for implementation in a virtualizedcommunication network of an elementary component of the virtualizednetwork function, to be added to a basic virtualized network function;

composing the virtualized network function from at least one elementarycomponent and from the parameter for implementing the at least oneobtained elementary component.

According to a particular feature, the configuration request comprises alist of elementary components for the virtualized network function.

According to a particular feature, the configuration method furthercomprises a check for compatibility of a first elementary component withat least a second elementary component in order to compose thevirtualized network function, the composition being implemented onlywhen the first and second elementary components are verified as beingcompatible with one another.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention also relates to a programfor a configuration device, comprising program code instructions forcommanding the execution of the steps of the method described above,when said program is executed by said device and a recording medium thatcan be read by a configuration device on which a program for aconfiguration device is recorded.

The invention will be better understood with the aid of the followingdescription of particular embodiments, with reference to the appendeddrawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a system for generating a virtualized network function, inthe environment thereof, according to a particular embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a device for configuring a virtualized network functionaccording to a particular embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a device for generating a virtualized network functionaccording to a particular embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows a system 1 for generating a virtualized network function inthe environment thereof according to a particular embodiment. The system1 comprises, in particular, a device for configuring a virtualizednetwork function 10, a device for generating a virtualized networkfunction 30 and a database 20 arranged to store elementary components ofa virtualized network function and implementation parameters associatedwith these elementary components. The database 20 thus defines a catalogof elementary components and of virtualized network functions. Theparameters are, for example, descriptors of virtualized networkfunctions (in English “VNF descriptor” meaning “Virtual Network Functiondescriptor”) as defined by ETSI. In particular, the object thereof is tospecify the operational behavior of the virtualized network functionsand the resources needed to deploy them (for example, number of virtualmachines, memory, bandwidth, latency).

The system 1 makes it possible to configure and generate a virtualizednetwork function from elementary components, which are stored in thedatabase 20, and which are selected to compose this virtualized networkfunction. This virtualized network function is moreover intended to beimplemented in a virtualized communication network 2. The configurationand the generation of the virtualized network function are moreprecisely carried out on request of a requesting entity 60 with whichthe system 1 communicates. The requesting entity 60 is, for example, aportal proposing a man-machine interface to a user. The communicationbetween the system 1 and the requesting entity 60 is, for example,carried out via the http (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) communicationprotocol. Once generated by the system 1, a virtualized network functionis stored in a database 40 of the generation system 1. The system 1 thenmakes it possible to transmit the virtualized network function via therequesting entity 60 to a virtualized resource management device 50 (inEnglish “VNF Manager” meaning “Virtual Network Function Manager”) forthe implementation thereof in the virtualized communication network 2.

The configuration and the generation of a virtualized network functionby the system 1 will now be described. For this purpose, by way ofexample, a virtualized network function VNF1 is considered, whichdesignates a routing function intended to be implemented in acommunication network by a router.

In a particular embodiment, the requesting entity 60 sends a request toprovide a virtualized network function to the configuration device 10indicating that it requests the provision of the function VNF1 for animplementation of this function in the virtualized communication network2.

In response to this request, the configuration device 10 queries thedatabase 20 in order to obtain a list of elementary components for thefunction VNF1, then transmits this list to the requesting entity 60.This list includes, by way of example, the following elementarycomponents C1, C2, C3 and C4: a module C1 for supporting the IPv4(Internet Protocol version 4) protocol, a module C2 for supporting theIPv6 protocol, a module C3 for supporting the MPLS (Multiprotocol LabelSwitching) protocol, a module C4 for supporting the BGP protocol, and abasic virtualized network function VNF2 associated by default with arouting function. The various elementary components correspond, for thisexample, to modules for supporting protocols that are alternativesand/or complementary to those provided in the virtualized networkfunction by default.

The requesting entity 60 verifies that the virtualized network functionVNF2 associated with a routing function corresponds to the desiredtechnical requirements for the requested function VNF1. By way ofexample, it is assumed in this embodiment that the requesting entity 60requests a virtualized network function VNF1 that supports the IPv6 andBGP protocols, whereas these two protocols are not supported by thevirtualized network function VNF2. Since the virtualized networkfunction VNF2 does not correspond to the desired technical requirementsfor the virtualized network function VNF1, the requesting entity 60selects the elementary components C2 and C4 corresponding to the modulesfor supporting the IPv6 protocol and for supporting the BGP protocol,respectively, then sends a request for configuring the virtualizednetwork function VNF1 from these two elementary components to theconfiguration device 10.

The configuration device 10 receives this configuration request, thenqueries the database 20 in order to obtain the implementation parametersfor the elementary components C2 and C4. The implementation parametersindicate the technical features necessary for the implementation of theelementary component concerned (e.g. computing capacity, amount ofmemory, virtual machine number, etc.). These implementation parametersmay also depend on a geographical location or on a particularvirtualized communication network where the elementary components willbe implemented. In the present embodiment, the implementation parametersrelate more specifically to an implementation in the virtualizedcommunication network 2. The elementary components and the associatedimplementation parameters are, for example, described in the TOSCA(Topology and Orchestration Specification for Cloud Applications)language defined by the OASIS (Organization for the Advancement ofStructured Information Standards) consortium.

Once the parameters for implementation of the elementary components C2and C4 are obtained by the configuration device 10, the latter has acomplete description of each of the components C2 and C4 composing thevirtualized network function VNF1, for implementing the latter in thevirtualized communication network 2. The configuration device 10 thensends a request for generating the virtualized network function VNF1 tothe generation device 30.

The generation device 30 then queries the database 20 in order to obtaina data model for each elementary component C2 and C4, and a data modelfor the virtualized network function VNF2 associated by default with arouting function. These data models are, by way of example, shown usingthe YANG data model language defined in the IETF document RFC 6020“YANG—A Data Modeling Language for the Network Configuration Protocol(NETCONF)”. The generation device 30 then aggregates the various modelsobtained into a single data model, representing the virtualized networkfunction VNF1 composed of the elementary components C2, C4 and of thevirtualized network function VNF2. The resulting virtualized networkfunction VNF1 corresponds to a router function that supports the IPv6and BGP protocols.

The generation device 30 generates, from the data model of thevirtualized network function VNF1 and from the parameters forimplementing the components C2 and C4 of the function VNF1, thevirtualized network function VNF1 in a format that is executable andallows it to be deployed (for example OVF (Open Virtualization Format)format) in the virtualized communication network 2. It is alsoemphasized that, in a particular embodiment, the generation of thevirtualized network function by the generation device 30 can take intoaccount constraints of performance, of usage, or even of desired levelsof quality which relate to this virtualized communication network. Thegeneration device 30 will then be provided with the communicationinterfaces necessary for obtaining the constraint information fromthird-party devices.

The generation device 30 then sends the virtualized network functionVNF1 generated in the executable form thereof to the configurationdevice 10. In a particular embodiment, the latter stores the functionVNF1 in a local database 40. The function VNF1 can thus be reused by theconfiguration device 10 during a next request for a virtualized networkfunction equivalent to the function VNF1 without the need to generate itagain.

Finally, the configuration device transmits the virtualized networkfunction VNF1 to the requesting entity 60. The latter deploys it in thevirtualized communication network 2 via a virtualized resourcemanagement device 50.

In another embodiment, the configuration device further performs a checkfor compatibility between the elementary component C2 and the elementarycomponent C4, the actual configuration of the virtualized networkfunction VNF1 being carried out only if the elementary components C2 andC4 are verified as being compatible with one another.

In another embodiment, the generation device 30 directly transmits thevirtualized network function VNF1 to the virtualized communicationnetwork 2.

In another embodiment, the requesting entity 60 obtains the elementarycomponents available for the virtualized network function VNF1 bydirectly querying the database 20 without going through theconfiguration device 10. It then directly transmits the elementarycomponents selected for the virtualized network function VNF1 in therequest for providing a virtualized network function addressed to theconfiguration device 10. A check for compatibility between elementarycomponents can moreover advantageously be implemented by the database 20before transmission of the elementary components to the configurationdevice 10. By way of example, if the virtualized network function VNF1corresponds to a router with a low routing capacity, the database 20will not transmit any elementary component corresponding to a module forsupporting the MPLS protocol. Likewise, for a virtualized networkfunction VNF1 corresponding to a router, the features of which areintended for a use in access, the database 20 will not transmitelementary components corresponding to a module for supporting the BGPprotocol. Such filtering of the elementary components by the database 20can also take into account policies for provision of the virtualizednetwork functions by a third-party entity.

The present embodiment has been described with a limited number ofelementary components. However, there are no limitations on the numberof elementary components that can be used in the composition of avirtualized network function. Moreover, in another embodiment, anelementary component can also refer to a module with particulartechnical features rather than a module performing a particular function(for example, elementary components referring to entities for managing atransfer plane or a control plane of a router function having variouscapacities per second of request processing).

Similarly, there is no limitation on the communication protocol usedbetween the requesting entity 60 and the configuration device 10. Thecommunication interface between the requesting entity 60 and theconfiguration device 10 can be easily adapted to any type ofcommunication protocol operating on a client-server model.

It is further emphasized that the system 1 has been illustratedpreviously for implementing a virtualized network function representinga router, but that there is no limitation on the type of virtualizednetwork function that can be generated by the system 1. By way ofexample, the system 1 can also be implemented to generate a virtualizednetwork function representing a P-GW (Packet Data Network Gateway)gateway composed of elementary components corresponding to,respectively, the PCEF (Policy and Charging Rules Function) and TDF(Traffic Detection Function) functions as defined by the 3GPP standardsorganization, or a content delivery network (for example, CDN (ContentDelivery Network) network).

FIG. 2 shows a device 10 for configuring a virtualized network functionaccording to a particular embodiment. The configuration device 10comprises:

a receiving module 100, arranged to receive a request for configurationof the virtualized network function;

an obtaining module 102, arranged to obtain at least one parameter forimplementation in a virtualized communication network 2 of an elementarycomponent of the virtualized network function, to be added to a basicvirtualized network function;

a configuration module 104, arranged to compose said virtualized networkfunction from at least one elementary component and from the parameterfor implementing the at least one obtained elementary component.

In another embodiment, the configuration request comprises a list ofelementary components for the virtualized network function.

In another embodiment, the configuration device 10 also comprises amodule 108 for checking compatibility of a first elementary componentwith at least a second component in order to compose said virtualizednetwork function, the configuration module 104 being activated only whenthe first and second elementary component are verified as beingcompatible with one another.

In another embodiment, the configuration device 10 further comprises asending/receiving module 106, arranged to send, to a generation device30, a command for generating the virtualized network function, from thecomposed virtualized network function, in a format executable in thevirtualized communication network 2.

In another embodiment, the configuration device 10 further comprises alocal database 110, arranged to store a virtualized network functiongenerated by a device 30 for generating a virtualized network function.The sending/receiving module 106 is, in this case, also arranged toreceive a virtualized network function generated by a generation device30.

FIG. 3 shows a device 30 for generating a virtualized network functionaccording to a particular embodiment. The generation device 30comprises:

an obtaining module 300, arranged to obtain a data model of at least oneelementary component of a virtualized network function;

a sending/receiving module 302, arranged to receive a command forgenerating the virtualized network function, from a composed virtualizednetwork function, in a format executable in a virtualized communicationnetwork 2, and to send, to a configuration device 10, the generatedvirtualized network function;

a computing module 304, arranged to generate the virtualized networkfunction in a format executable in a virtualized communication network2, from at least one data model of at least one elementary component ofthe virtualized network function.

The invention is implemented by means of software and/or hardwarecomponents. From this perspective, the term “module” can correspond inthis document equally to a software component, a hardware component or aset of hardware and/or software components, which can implement afunction or a set of functions, as described above for the module inquestion.

A software component corresponds to one or more computer programs, oneor more subprograms of a program, or more generally to any element of aprogram or software. Such a software component is stored in memory, thenloaded and executed by a data processor of a physical entity and iscapable of accessing the hardware resources of this physical entity(memories, recording media, communication bus, input/output electronicboards, user interfaces, etc.).

In the same manner, a hardware component corresponds to any element of ahardware assembly. It can be an optionally programmable hardwarecomponent, with or without an integrated processor for softwareexecution. It is, for example, an integrated circuit, a chip card, anelectronic board for executing a firmware, etc.

In a particular embodiment, the modules 100, 102, 104, 106 and 108 arearranged to implement the configuration method described above. Theseare preferably software modules comprising software instructions forexecuting those of the steps of the configuration method describedabove, which are implemented by a configuration device. The inventiontherefore also relates to:

a program for a configuration device, comprising program codeinstructions for commanding the execution of the steps of theconfiguration method previously described, when said program is executedby a configuration device;

a recording medium that can be read by a configuration device on whichthe program for a configuration device is recorded.

The software modules can be stored in or transmitted by a data medium.This can be a storage hardware medium, for example a CD-ROM, a magneticdiskette or a hard disk, or a transmission medium such as an electrical,optical or radio signal, or a telecommunication network.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A device arranged to configure avirtualized network function, for use in a virtualized communicationnetwork, the device having a processor executing software to: receive arequest for configuration of the virtualized network function; obtain atleast one parameter for implementation in a virtualized communicationnetwork of an elementary component of the virtualized network function,the elementary component to be added to a basic virtualized networkfunction; and compose the virtualized network function from the basicvirtualized network function and the elementary component implementedfrom the at least one obtained parameter.
 2. The device of claim 1,wherein the configuration request comprises a list of elementarycomponents for the virtualized network function.
 3. The device of claim1, further configured to check compatibility of the elementary componentwith at least a second elementary component in order to compose thevirtualized network function, the composition of the virtualized networkfunction being carried out only when the elementary component and thesecond elementary components are verified as being compatible with oneanother.
 4. The device of claim 1, further configured to send, to ageneration device, a command for generating the virtualized networkfunction from the composed virtualized network function in a formatexecutable in the virtualized communication network.
 5. The device ofclaim 4, further comprising a local database, arranged to store avirtualized network function generated by the generation device.
 6. Asystem for generating a virtualized network function, the systemcomprising: a database, arranged to store implementation parametersassociated with elementary components of virtualized network functions,the parameters relating to an implementation of the components in atleast one virtualized communication network; and a device forconfiguring a virtualized network function, wherein the deviceconfigured to: receive a request for configuration of the virtualizednetwork function; obtain from the database, at least one parameter forimplementation in the virtualized communication network of an elementarycomponent of the virtualized network function, the elementary componentto be added to a basic virtualized network function; and compose thevirtualized network function from the basic virtualized network functionand the elementary component implemented from the at least one obtainedparameter.
 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a deviceconfigured to generate a virtualized network function, the generationdevice configured to: obtain a data model of at least one elementarycomponent of a virtualized network function from the database; receive acommand for generating the virtualized network function, from a composedvirtualized network function, in a format executable in a virtualizedcommunication network, and to send, to the configuration device, thegenerated virtualized network function; and generate the virtualizednetwork function in a format executable in a virtualized communicationnetwork, from at least one data model of at least one elementarycomponent of the virtualized network function.
 8. A method forconfiguring a virtualized network function, for use in a virtualizedcommunication network, the method comprising: receiving a request forconfiguring the virtualized network function; obtaining at least oneparameter for implementation in a virtualized communication network ofan elementary component of the virtualized network function, theelementary component to be added to a basic virtualized networkfunction; and compose the virtualized network function from the basicvirtualized network function and the elementary component implementedfrom the at least one obtained parameter.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein the configuration request comprises a list of elementarycomponents for the virtualized network function.
 10. The method of claim8, further comprising checking for compatibility of a first elementarycomponent with at least a second elementary component in order tocompose the virtualized network function, wherein composing thevirtualized network function occurs only when the first and secondelementary components are verified as being compatible with one another.11. A configuration device, having stored thereon instructions which,when executed by a processor of the configuration device, cause theconfiguration device to perform a method of configuring a virtualizednetwork function, for use in a virtualized communication network, themethod comprising: receiving a request for configuring the virtualizednetwork function; obtaining at least one parameter for implementation ina virtualized communication network of an elementary component of thevirtualized network function, the elementary component to be added to abasic virtualized network function; and composing the virtualizednetwork function from the basic virtualized network function and theelementary component implemented from the at least one obtainedparameter.
 12. A non-transitory computer readable medium having storedthereon instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause theprocessor to perform a method of configuring a virtualized networkfunction, for use in a virtualized communication network, the methodcomprising: receiving a request for configuring the virtualized networkfunction; obtaining at least one parameter for implementation in avirtualized communication network of an elementary component of thevirtualized network function, the elementary component to be added to abasic virtualized network function; and composing the virtualizednetwork function from the basic virtualized network function and theelementary component implemented from the at least one obtainedparameter.